AUIP BLOG

Student Perspective: A Day in my Life on an Antarctic Expedition - by Dory Raterman, Virginia Tech

Dory takes you along on a day in her life aboard the Ocean Victory as it makes its way...

Student Perspective: Environmental challenges and diversity in communities - by Acacia Rhodes, The Ohio State University

Acacia shares their greatest academic achievements and personal developments while studying in Australia in the summer of 2024. They...

Student Perspective: Exploring conservation and culture in Australia - by Ava Geltinger, Virginia Tech

Ava talks about the experience of studying abroad in Australia in the summer of 2024. She writes: Hi everyone!...

Student Perspective: Culture, nature, history and real-world education practices - by Madeline Sweany, Texas A&M University

Madeline tells the story of her study abroad experience in Aotearoa New Zealand. She writes: The first words I...

Student Perspective: Finding a New Home In A Far Away Place - by Paige Garpstas, Penn State University

Paige Garpstas, from The Pennsylvania State University, explains her time abroad and all that it taught her. She writes:...
Antarctica, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, Stories, Student Perspective, Travel
Student Perspective: A Day in my Life on an Antarctic Expedition - by Dory Raterman, Virginia Tech
Customized Program, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel
Student Perspective: Environmental challenges and diversity in communities - by Acacia Rhodes, The Ohio State University
Customized Program, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel
Student Perspective: Exploring conservation and culture in Australia - by Ava Geltinger, Virginia Tech
Customized Program, Field Notes, Marketing Interns, New Zealand, Student Perspective, Travel
Student Perspective: Culture, nature, history and real-world education practices - by Madeline Sweany, Texas A&M University
Australia, Australia: Sydney, Customized Program, Field Notes, Inspiration, Marketing Interns, Student Perspective, Travel, Uncategorized
Student Perspective: Finding a New Home In A Far Away Place - by Paige Garpstas, Penn State University
Hi! My name is Emily Fessler and I am currently a Junior at the Pennsylvania State University studying Advertising/Public Relations as well as minoring in Business and Entrepreneurship. I am originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, which was recently named the Snowiest City in the United States, according to the Golden Snow Globe, after receiving a total of 186 inches of snow this past winter. Living in a real life snow globe such as Erie you could guess that I do enjoy skiing very much. Despite the bitter winter months, however, Erie also has beautiful warm summers. I am lucky enough to have a Great Lake in my very own backyard. Some summer activities that I enjoy include boating, walking along the beach in the hunt for beach glass, and playing golf. One thing I really value in my life is my family. I come from a large family in which I am number 28 out of 41 grandchildren. I have two loving parents and one younger sister. For me, family is everything. Whenever I am struggling I know I have them to turn to because they will always be there for me no matter what. This past winter break I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Sydney, Australia for a study abroad trip with Penn State. What made this experience so special and unique was that I was able to talk face-to-face with descendants of aboriginal Australians. Being able to learn about another country’s culture through face-to-face conversations creates such an authentic and surreal experience that you simply cannot get from a textbook. My favorite part of the program was when we hiked through the New South Wales Royal National Park. Originally when I heard we were “hiking” I was hesitant with excitement. I am not a big fan of being in the woods where I am prone to becoming a “tasty snack” for the mosquitoes, however, this hike was surprisingly delightful! We marched through the cliffs that overlooked the Pacific Ocean and stopped at a private beach to have a nice packed lunch. The views we saw on this hike were incredible leaving me in awe as I stood there trying not to pinch myself. The mountain rock was filled with shades of red, purple, and orange. One would think someone had painted these mountaintops. The ocean waves that crashed up against the sides of the cliffs were filled with multiple shades of blue. The best part about this hike, however, was the silence of nature that surrounded me. For the first time, all the outside noise had stopped and I could finally listen to my own thoughts and ideas without any disruption. Now I am starting a new journey as AUIP's Marketing Intern for the Pennsylvania State University. I would like to share my experiences with other students to encourage them to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. The trip was invaluable and life changing for me and I would love for other students to experience Sydney, Australia and everything it has to offer as well!
2017-18 Student Blogs

Face-to-face with descendants of aboriginal Australians

Hi! My name is Emily Fessler and I am currently a Junior at the Pennsylvania State University studying Advertising/Public Relations as well as minoring in Business and Entrepreneurship. I am originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, which was recently named the Snowiest City in the United States, according to the Golden Snow Globe, after receiving a total of 186 inches of snow…

Continue reading
My First International Experience
2017-18 Student Blogs

My First International Experience

Hey, Bears! I’m Halie Hawkins and I’m the new marketing intern for Baylor in Australia! I’m studying Communications and Film at Baylor, but I have always had a passion for the environment. Since college began, I’ve yearned to study abroad and after a lot of research, I settled on studying in Australia through AUIP. Studying abroad had always been a…

Continue reading
Contests, News, News Brief, What Next

AUIP Photo Contest 2016: “Walk a Mile in Another’s Shoes”

Announcing the 2016 AUIP Photo Contest This year’s theme is “Walk a Mile in Another’s Shoes.” AUIP’s mission is to “promote international cooperation and understanding by providing opportunities for Americans to experience first-hand the cultures and environments of the Oceania region.” Studying abroad can be both eye opening and challenging, especially as many AUIP students are leaving the United States…

Continue reading
2016 Interns, Australia, Australia: South Australia, Australia: Sydney, Snapshot, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: “It’s not where you are, it’s who you’re with.”

Katerina Alemis, the Illinois Abroad marketing intern, writes: The saying, “It’s not where you are, it’s who you’re with,” is one that truly resonated with me throughout my time in Australia. After eight weeks of class together, I still felt overwhelmed by the fact that I was going to travel halfway across the world with a group of people whose…

Continue reading
2016 Student Blogs, Australia, Australia: North Queensland, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: Angus, the giant humpheaded wrasse

Anna Lovell, the Baylor University Sustainability in North Queensland student blogger, writes: While studying abroad in Australia, I got to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas. The experience I had was absolutely amazing and the reef was beautiful. This was definitely one of the highlights on this trip. We headed out in the morning to get to…

Continue reading
2016 Student Blogs, Australia, Australia: North Queensland, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: Canopy crane in the Daintree Rainforest

Anna Lovell, the Baylor University Sustainability in North Queensland student blogger, writes: I can hardly believe that I am about halfway through my time in Australia! The time goes fast while we are here because we have been doing so much, but it also feels like I have been here for months because we have seen so much. Over the…

Continue reading
2016 Student Blogs, Australia, Australia: North Queensland, Field Notes, Postcard, Snapshot, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: Pick experiences over material things

Mariah DeLosSantos, the Baylor University Sustainability in North Queensland student blogger, writes: If you ever have the opportunity to travel, do it. Whether that be on study abroad, a beach vacation, or a road trip in your home state, it is honestly the best thing you can experience. We’ve traveled all around North Queensland, Australia, from Magnetic Island to Cape…

Continue reading
2015-16 Student Blogs, Student Perspective, Suitcase

Student Perspective: Budgeting while abroad

Mackenzie Erickson, the Eagles Abroad Sustainability in Australia and New Zealand 2015-16 student blogger, writes: Hey you! Yeah, you. Are you thinking about studying abroad but dreading the consequences of paying for it all? Have no fear! Here are some simple steps to help lower your costs while actually on the program. 1. Spend smart. When visiting a foreign country…

Continue reading
2016 Student Blogs, Field Notes, New Zealand, Postcard, Snapshot, Student Perspective

Student Perspective: Ecological preservation efforts in New Zealand

Amanda Sanchez, North Carolina State University’s Sustainability in New Zealand student blogger, writes: New Zealand is known for its large farms and rolling green hills bathed in golden sunshine, as portrayed in the Lord of the Rings movies. However, the land has not always looked so picture perfect. Before human settlement, the island had developed unique plant and animal species,…

Continue reading